Disclaimer to the Online Edition
This Manual has been designed for use in the NICU at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), London, Ontario, Canada, and represents clinical practice at this institution. The information contained within the Manual may not be applicable to other centres. If users of this Manual are not familiar with a drug, it is recommended that the official monograph be consulted before it is prescribed and administered. Any user of this information is advised that the contributors, Editor and LHSC are not responsible for any errors or omissions, and / or any consequences arising from the use of the information in this Manual.
Ampicillin
Indication
- Used in combination with gentamicin for empiric treatment of early-onset sepsis in term and preterm neonates
- To treat suspected or documented infections caused by susceptible organisms
- Usually effective against Group B Streptococcus (GBS), E. coli, Listeria and Enterococcus
Dosage Guidelines
Sepsis:
Gestational Age | Post Natal Age | Dose |
Less than 35 weeks | 0 to 7 days | 50 mg/kg/dose q12h |
Greater than 7 days | 75 mg/kg/dose q12h | |
Greater than or equal to 35 weeks | 0 to 28 days | 50 mg/kg/dose q8h |
| Greater than 28 days | 50 mg/kg/dose q8h |
Meningitis/GBS:
Post Natal Age | Dose |
0 to 7 days | 75 mg/kg/dose q8h |
Greater than 7 days | 75 mg/kg/dose q6h |
UTI Prophylaxis:
- 25 mg/kg/dose q12h
Administration
- IV direct over 3-5 minutes
- Reconstitute the 250 mg vial with 4.9 mL sterile water for injection to provide a final concentration of 50 mg/mL
- The reconstituted solution must be used within 1 hour of preparation
Adverse Effects
- CNS irritability
- Seizures can occur at higher doses or if the drug is administered too quickly
Comments
- Prolong interval in renal impairment
Supplied
- 250 mg vial